Growing watermelons in containers is an excellent way for a gardener who have limited space to grow these refreshing fruits. Whether you are doing balcony gardening or are simply looking for a better way to use the limited space you have, container watermelons are possible and fun. Understanding how to grow watermelon in containers successfully just requires a little bit of knowledge.
Let’s explore the steps on how to successfully grow watermelons in pots or containers!
1. The Right Pot or Container:
Select a pot or container with a minimum capacity of 5 gallons, ensuring it has proper drainage holes. Watermelons, being large and fast-growing, demand ample space and water drainage.
2. Soil Type:
Fill the pot with potting soil or a soilless mix; avoid garden soil as it can compact and impede watermelon growth. Opt for smaller, compact watermelon varieties suitable for containers.
3. Watermelon Varieties Approved for Containers:
Choose varieties adapted to container growth:
– Yellow Watermelon
– Watermelon Sugar Baby
– Crimson Sweet Watermelon
– Early Catalan Watermelon
– Watermelon Jubilee
– Dwarf Golden Watermelon
– Watermelon Jade Star
– Millennium Watermelon
– Orange Sweet Watermelon
– Watermelon Queen of Hearts
4. Plant Watermelons:
Plant seeds three times deeper than their length or introduce seedlings started indoors or purchased. Ensure frost threats have passed before planting.
5. Watermelon Care:
– Provide ample sunlight and shield the plant from strong winds.
– Water regularly, as watermelons thrive with abundant water.
– As the plant grows, offer support using a trellis or other means for the heavy vines.
– When the fruit appears, create a supportive hammock using flexible materials like fabric or pantyhose, securing it to the main watermelon support. Adjust the hammock as the watermelon grows.
– Water daily in temperatures below 80°F (27°C) or twice a day in higher temperatures.
– Apply water-based fertilizer weekly or opt for slow-release granular fertilizer monthly.
Now equipped with the knowledge of growing watermelons in pots or containers, it’s time to get your hands dirty and start planting! If you found this information helpful, feel free to copy and share!
